Chapter 3

A week later, the castle was filled with people who had come to celebrate the announcement of the future prince or princess. Regina wasn't exactly fond of the parties that were hosted at the castle, since they often made her feel lonelier than ever and not like a Queen at all. Tonight, however was different since the party was in part for her. It felt very strange for Regina to feel a part of something going on at the castle, at least somewhat. Regina was very touched when people would come over to her; offering their best wishes and congratulations.

After thanking a couple that who had come over to her, Regina went back to eating her dinner. She then looked around the great hall and saw her father talking to some visitors. He caught her eye and gave her a smile, one that she returned. Regina was so thankful that her father was here tonight. He had been so supportive and comforting since she told him about the pregnancy and she was very grateful for that.

Regina then glanced over to Leopold and then to Snow, who was talking to her nanny Johanna. By now she had calmed down from the incident at breakfast that had left her feeling unhappy, though her worries were still looming in the back of her mind off and on. In light of what happened, she had been mainly keeping to herself. Something she had done before the pregnancy as much as she could, at least now she had a very good excuse for wanting rest.

Regina saw Leopold stand up from his throne at the other end of the hall and signaled for a servant to bring him a wine glass. After the glass was in his hand, the room, as if on cue, grew silent.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight, to celebrate the announcement of the future prince or princess. If you will all join me in raising your glasses for the Queen and wishing her well over the next several months."

The crowd then raised their glasses and some looked over at Regina at the other end of the room. Regina felt a little uncomfortable with people's eyes on her but she managed to hide it as the King took a sip of his wine to finish the toast.

Soon after the toast was finished, Regina stood up from her seat and was then met by Leopold who had just come from across the hall.

"Your Majesty," Regina said, a little surprised since she hadn't seen him walk over to her.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay."

"How are you enjoying the party?"

"It's very nice, thank you," Regina replied.

Leopold nodded and then asked, "How are you feeling?"

Regina was shocked that he seemed generally interested in how she was doing, seeing that he never seemed to care before.

"I'm good. A little tired and morning sickness isn't so pleasant to deal with."

The King gave a little chuckle. "I'm sure it will pass in time. I remember when Eva was pregnant with Snow, she felt ill all the time for the first couple months and then she started to feel better." Leopold paused for a minute remembering his late wife, before adding. "Hopefully, it will end for you as well."

Regina couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at hearing details about Eva's pregnancy with Snow. She knew the King was still in love with Eva, something she had known since the day they met. For the most part, this suited Regina just fine since she wasn't in love with Leopold at all. Still, having to hear about Eva regularly made the whole thing worse. It was almost suffocating to have to listen to.

"Thank you," Regina managed to say.

The King nodded, and then walked off to go greet some guests. After he was gone, Regina went over to the door and snuck out of the hall, needing some air.

Once Regina was outside she went over to her favorite spot where her apple tree stood. The young Queen took a deep breath to try and get rid of the suffocating feeling that seemed to surround her. This was just horrible. It wasn't enough that she had been forced into this marriage by her mother and that she had to live in the shadow of Eva. Now, her pregnancy was being compared to Eva's.

It was hard to believe that five minutes ago she had been not happy but content and now that moment was gone. Regina didn't even know why she even cared but for some reason it bothered her.

Regina then realized that her hands had moved over her stomach without her knowing it. The baby. Maybe that's why it bothered her so much; she was worried for her baby. What if the baby was compared to Snow and thought of as second best? She had been so busy trying to wrap her mind around becoming a mother; she had forgotten to really consider what life could be like for her child. By having this baby she could be effectively imprisoning both of them, not knowing what the future held was very frightening for her.

"Regina, sweetheart?"

The young woman turned around to see that her father had followed her outside. "Hi, Daddy."

"What's wrong?"

"Why can't I be happy for a whole day without it falling apart?"

"Regina, what happened?" Henry asked, concerned. "You seemed fine at dinner?"

"I was, but then the King began talking about Eva's pregnancy and it made me feel terrible."

Regina then felt herself tearing up; Henry moved toward her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Sweetheart, I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it."

Regina then shook her head and stared back at the apple tree. "I don't know Daddy. We both know I'm just a replacement."

Henry was silent for a few seconds, not knowing what to say to her. "Maybe things will be different after the baby's born."

"Not if the baby's constantly being compared to Snow," Regina said. "Daddy, if I'm going to have a baby I don't want my child to grow up being unhappy."

"That won't happen."

"You don't know that."

"Maybe, but, Regina, you shouldn't let all this bother you. It's not good for you or the baby."

Regina smiled slightly, and then let out a breath. "Maybe, you're right."

"Give it time, Regina. Things will turn around, you'll see," Henry said, pulling his daughter into a hug. Regina then rested her head on his shoulder and hoped he would be right.

A few months later, things around the castle had been pretty quiet. The King was off on another trip while Regina remained at the castle along with Snow, who had stayed behind this time.

On this morning, Regina was spending some time with her horse Rocinante at the stables. Though she couldn't ride him anymore since the baby was due in three months, she still liked to go visit him. He was a great companion for her now as he always had been. Coming to the stables in the morning had become a ritual for her over the last few months.

It gave her some time away from the castle when she needed some space from Leopold and Snow. Thankfully, they hadn't been too irritating the last couple of months, at least no more than usual.

Regina went over to Rocinante with a brush in hand and began grooming him while he munched on some hay. She then paused and smiled at him.

"Is that yummy, boy?" the young woman asked the horse while patting his shoulder. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Rocinante. You're always here for me, aren't you?"

After a couple more minutes of brushing, Regina stopped and moved closer to Rocinante's head and rubbed his nose. Sometimes while looking at Rocinante, she was reminded of Daniel and the days she would keep him company while he groomed the horses after a riding lesson. Those days seemed like such a long time ago now.

Regina then looked down at her stomach and rubbed it. It was obvious that she was pregnant now and a part of her couldn't believe that the last few months had gone by so quickly. Soon she'd get to meet her baby, something that terrified her, but it was also something she was looking forward to.

She still had her fears about becoming a mother but was trying to take it easy and not worry so much as her father had suggested. Some days were better than others but she was doing the best she could.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Rocinante," Regina said, giving him one last pet before leaving the stall.

Regina then returned to her room and sat at her vanity to do her hair for the day. When she was just finishing up, she heard footsteps and looked in the mirror to see Snow walk in the room.

"Good morning, Regina," Snow greeted, coming closer to Regina.

"Good morning," Regina replied, offering her a little smile. "Don't you have your lessons soon?"

Regina hoped this would prompt Snow to go off on her way and leave her alone for a few hours.

"Yes, but they're not till a little later. Would you like to go for a walk with me, Regina?"

"I'm sorry, dear, but I've just returned from a walk."

"Oh," the twelve-year-old princess said, feeling a little disappointed then she remembered what she saw on the way to Regina's room. "Then would you like to go see the nursery? I saw that they were setting up the crib."

"They are?" Regina questioned while turning slightly to Snow who nodded with a wide smile on her face.

Regina and Snow walked a little ways down the hallway from Regina's room to what would be the baby's nursery. When they got there, the door was open; the servants and the craftsman who had brought the crib to the castle were just finishing up. When they noticed the Queen and Princess at the doorway they quickly filed out, bowing as they left.

Snow went into the room and walked around; looking at everything while Regina went over to the crib, which now occupied the center of the room. It was definitely fit for a royal baby. Regina traced the soft fabric that hung from the canopy, and then moved her hands to rest on her growing stomach when she felt the baby move.

"I think the baby will really like this room. Don't you think, Regina?" Snow asked, then noticed where Regina's hands were. "Is the baby kicking?"

"No, not right now," Regina answered, feeling like keeping the baby movements to herself. "And yes, I think the baby will like this room, too."

"I can't wait till the baby's here," Snow said. "What do you think it's going to be, a boy or girl?"

"I don't know, Snow." Though, that wasn't entirely true. Regina had given it some thought.

"I hope it's a girl. I'd love to have a little sister but a brother would be nice, too."

They then heard movement at the door and both looked to see Johanna standing there. "Snow, there you are. It's time for your lessons."

"Okay, I'll see you later, Regina," Snow said, then went with her nanny.

After Snow left, Regina looked back at the crib and tried to imagine what things would be like when her future son or daughter was in this room.

Thanks for reading.

Next chapter: The little princess will be born! Any guesses on her name?

Thanks for the feedback and everything. It's greatly appreciated.